The evolutionary tree shown is not complete it only shows the main divisions of the fungi kingdom and the family's that I have photos for. The major divisions are based upon the reproductive structures, and similarities in life cycles. As further research continues, their position within the evolutionary tree can change.

Fungi of this Subdivision lack a sexual stage and are consequently called the Fungi Imperfecti because their life cycles are "imperfect". Most reproduce by conidia. The majority are the microscopic moulds important as pathogens. Many fungal diseases that infect humans belong to this subdivision.

Subdivision: Zygomycotina (coenocytic fungi)

Are the only class of fungi whose mycelium is normally aseptate. Septate typically only form to delineate reproductive structures or to isolate damaged portions of mycelium. They reproduce by either sexual or asexual means and have simple reproductive bodies then Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes. Most are moulds e.g. pin mould, as seen on bread.

Division: Lichens

A lichen is not a single organism, but rather it's a combination of two organisms which live together intimately. Most of the lichen is composed of fungal filaments, but living among the filaments are algal cells. See the Forest Lichen pages.

Related Links

This page only shows some of the major fungi groups. For more detail try some of these links, and hopefully not become as confused as I in trying to make some sense of it all.